Today was full of inspiring and invigorating experiences; a journal entry such as this can only begin to describe the adventures that took place. After a light breakfast at 6:30am, the group left on the bus for Qumran with our trusty guide, Peter. We rode out of Bethlehem, through Jerusalem, and over to the coast of the Dead Sea. The trip took about an hour and a half and gave us a good look at the desert terrain of the Holy Land. Some of us commented on the challenges this land would offer to anyone who traveled on foot, as well as the difficulties Jesus must have encountered in his trips throughout Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
When we finally arrived at Qumran, we were led through a small museum that oriented us to the importance of the site. In 1947 a shepherd boy stumbled upon a cave in the region that contained seven ancient scrolls. It is believed that these scrolls were the work of the Essenes, an ascetic Jewish community that existed in Qumran during the time of Jesus. Spectacularly preserved for close to 2000 years, these scrolls gave the modern world a look at a number of ancient texts of the Old Testament. The discovery at Qumran led to archeological endeavors up and down the coast of the Dead Sea that uncovered many more texts, which are now know as the Dead Sea Scrolls. We were there at Qumran to see the mountains that held these treasures and to explore the ruins of the Essene community.
Just down the road a bit was Ein Gedi National Park. This is an oasis in the middle of the desert covered in lush vegetation and beautified by a number of awe-inspiring waterfalls. We had the opportunity to walk through this Eden-like paradise and snap some great pics. It is believed that this place is described in the Song of Songs, and it is here that David spared the life of Saul for the first time (1 Sam 24).
We then jumped back on the bus and headed for Masada. This mind-boggling site was once home to a magnificent place of King Herod. The size and grandeur of the palace is impressive, but what is most amazing is the fact that this complex is situated on top of a mountain plateau 450 meters above the Dead Sea. The group took a cable car up to the ruins of this fortress and learned about its intriguing history. Although it was built by Herod, Masada was made famous by the Jewish rebels who sought refuge there from the Roman army in 70 AD. These 1000 rebels were able to hold out against the Roman forces on that mountain plateau for two and a half years. They were finally defeated when the Romans finished construction of an earthen ramp that enabled them to climb the mountain with battering rams and siege equipment. This dramatic history, coupled with the shear impressiveness of the view from the mountain fortress, helped us appreciate our brief visit to this popular site.
Our final stop for the day was at a beach on the Dead Sea, the lowest body of water on the earth. We had seen the Sea from the road for most of the day, so were glad, at last, to have the chance to take a swim. Because the Dead Sea is so salty, the water actually buoys your body, making it impossible to sink. Everyone was able to float, so we had a blast drifting through the water on our backs. Even though we were careful not to splash too much, some of us got water in the eye and felt the fierce sting of that salty water.
This jam-packed day culminated with Vespers and Mass back at our home in Bethlehem. Everyone agreed that this was one of the best days of the pilgrimage thus far. Looking back over this journal entry, I realize that I have not captured the awe and excitement we experienced at these sites. I recommend you ask one of the seminarians personally about his trip to Qumran, En Gedi, Masada, and the Dead Sea.
Dave Schalk
12/14/2006
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